Barnabas, whose name means “son of comfort,” sensed the reality of Paul’s conversion and call of God. Thus he befriended and supported him. At one time or another in life we all need a friend like Barnabas. It has been suggested that had Barnabas been a literal part of the body of Christ, he would have been a nose. He sniffed and liked what he smelled. By God’s grace he possessed the spiritual gift of discernment, a gift much needed today (1 Cor. 12:10). —W. Ross Rainey

Lord, speak to me, that I may speak, In living echoes of Thy tone; As Thou hast sought, so let me seek, The erring ones, the lost and lone. —Frances R. Havergal